AYV News, July 7, 2026
The proposed 30-megawatt Waste-to-Energy Project for Freetown and the Western Area has moved a significant step closer to implementation following the successful completion of comprehensive technical assessments by a team of international engineers.
The foreign delegation, comprising experts in civil, environmental, waste and energy engineering, visited Sierra Leone to evaluate key technical requirements ahead of the implementation of the landmark infrastructure project, which aims to transform waste management, improve sanitation and boost electricity generation in the Western Area.
The assessment team was led by Infinitum Energy’s Lead Engineer, Raphael, and included specialists from De Smet, a Belgium-based engineering firm selected to construct the waste-to-energy plant at the proposed Hastings project site. The company previously built a sugar cane processing facility in Hastings.
During the mission, the engineers inspected all legally designated dumpsites across the Western Area, including Kingtom, Kissy and Waterloo, while also visiting industrial and agricultural facilities in Cline Town, Wellington and Waterloo. The visits enabled the team to evaluate waste generation volumes, current disposal practices and operational challenges.
According to the engineers, the facility will require more than 1,200 tonnes of waste daily to generate 30 megawatts of electricity. Based on their findings, they expressed confidence that sufficient waste is available to sustain the plant once operational.
The delegation also carried out a detailed assessment of the 60-acre Hastings project site, examining its topography, logistics, landscaping and supporting infrastructure, including access roads essential for construction and future operations.
As part of the exercise, the engineers inspected the Queen Elizabeth II Quay at the Freetown Port and the Jui electricity substation, both of which are expected to play vital roles in the project’s logistics and electricity transmission network.
Country Director of Infinitum Energy Group, Dr. Yassin Kargbo, described the successful completion of the technical assessment as another major milestone in the project’s development.
Dr. Kargbo noted that the company has worked closely with government institutions, regulatory agencies and local communities since 2021 to advance the project. While acknowledging delays during the approval process, he expressed optimism that the initiative is now entering its final stages before construction begins.
He said the facility will deliver 30 megawatts of reliable electricity to Freetown and the Western Area while significantly improving waste collection, environmental sanitation and urban cleanliness.
Beyond energy generation, Dr. Kargbo said the project is expected to create employment opportunities at the plant and throughout the waste management value chain. He added that it will generate millions of dollars in corporate social responsibility investments to support education, healthcare, sanitation and community development.
Valued at more than US$200 million, the project is also expected to stimulate economic growth through infrastructure development, increased private sector investment and sustainable energy production.
The waste-to-energy initiative has steadily advanced over recent years and received Government approval in principle last year. According to Infinitum Energy Group, the company has fulfilled its obligations under the development process, with only the remaining contractual approvals and parliamentary ratification required before construction can officially commence.
